Edition 5 - March 2015

Cardinal Langley’s

VOICEInspired by Faith Education Leads to Progress

Charlie Holden: 1999-2015 Forever in Our HeartsFootprints

in the SandOne night I dreamed I was walking along

the beach with the Lord. Many scenes from my life flashed across the sky. In each scene I noticed footprints in the sand. Sometimes there were two sets of footprints, other times there were one set of footprints.

This bothered me because I noticed that during the low periods of my life,

when I was suffering from anguish, sorrow or defeat,

I could see only one set of footprints.

So I said to the Lord, “You promised me Lord,

that if I followed you, you would walk with me always. But I have noticed that during

the most trying periods of my life there have only been one

set of footprints in the sand. Why, when I needed you most,

you have not been there for me?”

The Lord replied, “The times when you have

seen only one set of footprints, is when I carried you.”

Mary Stevenson

Copyright © 1984 Mary Stevenson, from original 1936 text, All rights reserved

This term has been one of the most heart-breaking in the history of Cardinal Langley as we have mourned the death of one of our year 11 students. Charlie Holden died suddenly in January and his loss has had an immeasurable effect on the whole school community. It is with immense love and fondness that we remember him below.Rewind back to September 2nd 2010 - 8.20am. We can remember it like it was yesterday. 187 bright eyed, bushy tailed Year 7s sitting in the hall waiting to hear what exciting times lay ahead of them at Cardinal Langley. We remember Charlie’s first day well - he seemed so small and yet already so assured, and it didn’t take long to realise that this was largely because of how many friends he already had with him and how many he’d managed to make in the space of a few hours. He was giddy and eager to impress. There was something about him that day; that indefinable quality that all staff and students have seen in him ever since and will never forget. Charlie Holden was impossible to ignore. If it wasn’t his perfectly styled ginger hair that caught your attention, then his twinkly eyes and cheeky grin would almost guarantee you were looking his way. It was that grin that made it near impossible to tell him off for anything, not that there was much anyway. Charlie was a cheeky chappie whose sense of humour and charm made him undeniably loveable by students and staff alike. He was a very popular student who had a wide range of

friends, but it is testament to his character that he has always remained very close to the friendship group he came here with from St Thomas More. A very strong group of friends; even if they did think that Charlie listened to weird music. And some of them argued every other day and then made up every other day. We won’t mention the strange nicknames they had for him! It is so lovely to see that even as the years have passed by your friendship have grown stronger and stronger. I know that Charlie would be very proud of how strong you have all been.He was someone who got involved in many aspects of community life at Cardinal Langley. We have memories of him at Savio House in Year 7 and the Activity week in Year 8, where he truly became part of the LGS form family and seemed to grow up in the space of a few days. It was at Savio House where he realised that girls were ok to talk to and took great delight on the coach on the way home regaling others with the week’s relationship updates. Charlie was a member of the school football team since Year 7, and the St Thomas More team before that. His commitment and dedication were second to none and although some people may think our Year 11 team are called “Year 11- nil”, he always demanded 110%, and he wasn’t shy about articulating his despair if he thought somebody wasn’t pulling their weight. This didn’t stop at football. The enthusiasm he enjoyed shone through on the ski trip as he did not want to come down from the mountain! He would have skied all day and night if he was allowed to. As Charlie moved through the school his boyish face didn’t change much, but the

young man of Year 11 managed to strike a wonderful balance between infectious charisma and a determined and motivated individual. We have nothing but pride and admiration for the person Charlie had become and even on his Mock Results day he couldn’t help but kid around, knowing full well that he had an envelope brimming with potential in his pocket. He was almost bashful for the first time in 5 years, but secretly pleased through his modest blushes. We will all ask God why Charlie was taken from us, but we won’t need to ask why we were blessed to have him in our lives. We won’t ask why he was able to make his friends laugh and love his company. We won’t ask why he had such a positive impact on so many people or why he touched so many hearts. We all know the answers to that. So for now Charlie, rest in peace. You are and always will be a huge part of this school, and our lives, and we will never forget you. God Bless.

Page 16 Cardinal Langley’s VOICE March 2015

Contacting us over EasterIf you need to contact us as a matter of urgency during the Easter holiday, please use the school email: admin@clrchs.co.uk; the telephone switchboard is not staffed during school holidays and there will be no voicemail facility over the Easter break so you will not be able to leave any messages. We apologise for any inconvenience.

Spring Fayre in Aid of The Teenage Cancer TrustRunway on the Runway 2015 is a project that the Textile Department are privileged to be involved inat Manchester’s Concorde Visitors Centre. All the proceeds raised are for the Teenage Cancer Trust.To raise money for this cause our school on the 25th April we are staging a Spring Fayre in school We are looking for parents or pupils to help in any way at the event .We are hoping for donations of any sort for all the stalls.We are creating a Raid my Wardrobe stall. So wanting beloved items of clothing that can be resold.Books , Cakes, Food, Sweets, Crafts and raffle prizes etc.Just about anything that people would donate or buy would be helpful.Thank You in Anticipation.

Kimberley

St Peter’s RC Church

Taylor Street Middleton M24 1BQ

7pm

3pm

6.30pm

9.30am

10am

Our Lady of the Assumption RC Church

Bowness Road Middleton M24 4HN

7pm

3pm

6.30pm

10.30am

St John Fisher RC Church

Boarshaw Road Middleton M24 1PF 12 noon

9.15am

Maundy Thursday 2nd April 2015 - The Lord’s SupperGood Friday 3rd April 2015 - The PassionEaster Saturday 4th April 2015 - Easter Vigil MassEaster Sunday 5th April 2015 - Easter MassEaster Monday 6th April 2015

Easter Mass Times

Easter Message 2015 World Champion Kick BoxerCongratulations to Callum Connor, an up and coming local talent who has just become the new WKA (World Kickboxing and Karate Association) Junior British Muay Thai Boxing Champion.

Callum will be fighting for a European Championship Belt on the 4th April 2015 at the Middleton Arena. Callum has been involved in this sport since the age of 9and his dedication and passion for this sport are overwhelming. Callum attends Master A’s in Manchester 4/5 times per week and is trained by the reputable Somapat Sitiwatjana. He has already taken part in tutorials on You Tube and to date has won numerous trophies, medals and 3 Championship belts.

Callum has a bright future, he will soon be travelling to Thailand to train and fight in the country where this sport originated, his goal is to represent the British Squad and fight in the forthcoming World Championships in October ’15. Callum is looking for Sponsorship for funding and equipment so if you know of anyone who would be interested then please forward details to Mr Bridson (Headteacher).

On behalf of the entire Cardinal Langley family, I would like to thank you for your prayers and messages of support over the past term. It has been a difficult and emotional time for staff and students and I would particularly like to thank everyone for the exemplary manner in which they conducted themselves at both Charlie’s funeral mass and the

guard of honour on Rochdale Road. The mutual support that has been demonstrated by all is a real strength of our school and I am immensely proud to lead a community that has lived by the message of Matthew’s Gospel, ‘Love your neighbour as yourself’. As we come to the end of our Lenten preparations this has been apparent through all of the fundraising activities that have taken place to support the work of Caritas and I thank everyone for their efforts.There have been a number of developments over the term which I would like to make you aware of. We have welcomed Mrs Williams as Deputy Headteacher; Mrs Williams replaces Mr Waller, who started his Headship in Lancashire after Christmas. Mrs Woodcock is moving to an Assistant Headteacher post at Golborne High School in Warrington and Miss Oliver will lead the English department after Easter. We have also invested in our digital communication to enable more regular contact with

parents/carers. After Easter you will see the new school website which will integrate fully with the SIMS Learning Gateway already in use for sending progress reports. Over the next term will also see the introduction on a system called InTouch which will replace Truancy Call and allow us to send regular email updates about your child.There have also been some notable successes that I would like to share with you. The continued strength of the academic performance at Cardinal Langley has been recognised in the DfE league tables, which place us in the top 25% of schools nationally. In sport, there have been both team and individual successes. The Year 10 football team is through to the semi-finals of the English Schools’ FA Cup and they have an excellent opportunity to reach the final in this highly prestigious tournament. Two individual achievements are Amy Cunningham (Year 11), who has been selected for the GB Catholic schools’ swimming team taking part in the European Games in Malta in the Summer, and Callum Connor (Year 10), whose success in Thai Boxing continues, winning the Junior British Championships in March. Callum will be competing for the European belt at Middleton Arena on 4th April and hopefully the World Championships in the Autumn. If you are aware of any local businesses who would be interested in sponsoring any of our individuals or school teams, please contact me at the school.Our Easter prayer this year is ‘Footprints’ which was given by Fr Kieren to all of our Year 11 students and has been a source of strength and comfort.May I wish you all a happy and Holy EasterA Bridson

Rainbows Bereavement Support Great Britain

Charity no. 1058476

“The programme made a

huge difference to our

family life. We found

that our son was more

able to cope with his

grief and loss”.

(Independent Research 2011)

For more information about Rainbows in school,

please contact your school in the usual way.

For more information about Rainbows, please contact: –

Rainbows Bereavement Support Great Britain

Sue McDermott, National Director,

Email: sue.rainbowsgb@btconnect.com

Rainbows Resource Centre:

Werneth Grange, Grange Avenue, Oldham OL8 4EL

Tel: 0161 624 2269 • www.rainbowsgb.org

Rainbows offers a 12-14 week, age appropriate

and structured programme; facilitated by

trained members of staff.

It explores the following: –

o

One of a kind –self esteem

o

Inside out –feelings

o

Why my family?

o

Making the pieces fit –coping skills

o

Anger and hurt –coping skills

o

Facing fears and worries –coping skills

o

Families are all different

o

Belonging to my family

o

Different kinds of family

o

Endings and beginnings –change

o

Weathering the storm –adapting, adjusting

o

Living with change

o

Celebrate me session –a celebration and

conclusion of the programme; going

forward.

Planning and resources for each session are provided

WHAT DO CHILDREN AND YOUNG

PEOPLE THINK ABOUT RAINBOWS?

CONFIDENTIALITY

SUPPORTING CHILDREN

AND YOUNG PEOPLE

THROUGH LOSS AND GRIEF

“It helped me be less upset and it made me happier.”

(Tina, Year 5)

“Rainbows helped me to get on with my dad and

how to make things go right with him.”

(Charlotte, Year 5)

“It helped me to manage my feelings more and gave

me an understanding of why I’m feeling this way.”

(Bradley, Year 8)

“It is a time where I can say everything to someone

who I trust.”

(Hollie, Year 9)

o

Confidentiality is at the heart of Rainbows

o

Confidentiality will be kept at all times

unless a child or young person is at risk

o

Rainbows groups strictly adhere to the

school’s Safeguarding policies and

procedures

Rainbows Bereavement Support Great BritainCharity no. 1058476

“The programme made ahuge difference to ourfamily life. We found

that our son was moreable to cope with his

grief and loss”.

(Independent Research 2011)

For more information about Rainbows in school,please contact your school in the usual way.

For more information about Rainbows, please contact: –

Rainbows Bereavement Support Great BritainSue McDermott, National Director,

Email: sue.rainbowsgb@btconnect.comRainbows Resource Centre:

Werneth Grange, Grange Avenue, Oldham OL8 4ELTel: 0161 624 2269 • www.rainbowsgb.org

Rainbows offers a 12-14 week, age appropriateand structured programme; facilitated bytrained members of staff.

It explores the following: –

o One of a kind – self esteem

o Inside out – feelings

o Why my family?

o Making the pieces fit – coping skills

o Anger and hurt – coping skills

o Facing fears and worries – coping skills

o Families are all different

o Belonging to my family

o Different kinds of family

o Endings and beginnings – change

o Weathering the storm – adapting, adjusting

o Living with change

o Celebrate me session – a celebration andconclusion of the programme; goingforward.

Planning and resources for each session are provided

WHAT DO CHILDREN AND YOUNGPEOPLE THINK ABOUT RAINBOWS?

CONFIDENTIALITY

SUPPORTING CHILDRENAND YOUNG PEOPLE

THROUGH LOSS AND GRIEF

“It helped me be less upset and it made me happier.”(Tina, Year 5)

“Rainbows helped me to get on with my dad andhow to make things go right with him.”

(Charlotte, Year 5)

“It helped me to manage my feelings more and gaveme an understanding of why I’m feeling this way.”

(Bradley, Year 8)

“It is a time where I can say everything to someonewho I trust.”(Hollie, Year 9)

o Confidentiality is at the heart of Rainbows

o Confidentiality will be kept at all timesunless a child or young person is at risk

o Rainbows groups strictly adhere to theschool’s Safeguarding policies andprocedures

We are proud to announce that Cardinal Langley is now a registered facilitator of Rainbows Bereavement Support. Rainbows is a well-respected national charity. It has proven, positive and direct impact on the lives of children, young people and adults grieving a significant and often devastating loss in their lives. Rainbows Spectrum is aimed at Key Stage 3, 4 and 5 pupils and we have thirteen highly skilled, trained facilitators to guide our young people through a structured age related programme.

Participants meet in small groups for twelve weekly sessions which are conducted on school premises at lunch time or at end the end of the school day. It is an emotionally safe environment where young people are supported to express and share their feelings. A professional and independent study across 93 schools in 2011, found strong evidence that Rainbows makes a tremendous difference to children and young people who are grieving a significant loss, be that death, divorce, separation or the upheaval of moving house away from family and friends. If you would like further information please contact Mrs Beaumont, Rainbows Co-ordinator on the school number.

Page 3 Page 2 Cardinal Langley’s VOICE March 2015

Flame2 is the largest National Catholic Youth event of 2015, it took place in the SSE Wembley Arena on Saturday 7th March 2015.The SSE Wembley Arena was filled with 8000 young people from across the country, receiving faith-filled inspiration from world class speakers. Speakers include Cardinal Luis Tagle from Manila, Philippines; Baroness Sheila Hollins; Fr Timothy Radcliffe OP; and David Wells.Throughout the day speakers will give bursts of input, interspersed with world class music and drama, in an atmosphere full of joy. Music will be provided by double grammy award winning Matt Redman and his band.

The day ends with a time of Adoration led by Cardinal Vincent Nichols. We met bright and early at 7.30 at Manchester Piccadilly, armed with coffee, magazine and music we were all set for our train to Euston, excited for the day ahead, even the tube strike didn’t dampen our spirits. After a dramatic interpretation of St John’s Gospel and opening prayer, with music from double Grammy winner Matt Redman, accompanied by light, colour and images, a message from Pope Francis was read out (See: ICN 7 March 2015 Pope Francis Message to Flame 2 http://www.indcatholicnews.com/news.php?viewStory=26911 ) Cardinal Luis Tagle from the Philippines, gave an inspiring talk: in which he focused on sharing “something of the mercy of God and the joy of the Gospel”.Things came to crescendo with a flashdance to Pharrel Williams’ ‘Happy’ song. Cardinal Vincent Nichols ended the day with the blessed Adoration along with our very own Bishop John. This was life changing for us all and we will be spreading the word for Flame 3! We returned to Manchester at 9 O’Clock, tired but filled with the joy of the Holy Spirit and spiritually enriched. Mrs Dewhurt, Mrs Lennon, Bailey Jacque-Lees, Lauren McCarthy, Orla Madden, Rysia Freeman, Grant Henshaw, Lauren Jennings and Morrigan Glaysher-White

Cardinal Langley’s very own Rory McIlroyLast year I got picked to play for England u16’s through trials at Formby Hall and Lancashire u16’s. This consisted of many different training days with coaches and past professional and successful golfers who gave me a lot of advice on how to progress to the next stage.

This year I got chosen to carry on playing for Lancashire but for Lancashire u18’s and I was invited to go to trials for England u18’s which is a 2 year programme at Carden Park Golf Club in Chester where I was successful in getting a place on the squad along with 4 other people. We train every weekend at Carden Park and so far we have played 2 matches, I drew the first match and won the second one by 7 shots.

In December 2014 along with 70 others out of 500 who tried to qualify In England I qualified to play on the Andalucía Junior European Open in Andalucía, Spain which was played over 5 rounds of golf in a week. I made the cut over the first 4 rounds and overall came 10th in the field. After I have finished my A-Levels at Cardinal Langley I am hopefully going to further my studies in America on a Golf scholarship.

Year 9 and 10 were lucky enough to have artist Amy Daniels visit them this term. They took part in a 2 day workshop and learnt about some basic ceramic techniques including making tiles, pebble forms and slab building. They also added basic under glazes and clear glaze to their finished pieces. The pieces they made will contribute towards their Art and Design GCSE coursework. “Amy Daniels is a ceramic artist making sculptural objects for indoor and outdoor spaces. Visits to junkyards have often inspired her work - collecting obsolete objects and examining their qualities. Amy captures details seen in discarded metal in junkyards and in the deteriorating surfaces of old industrial structures. The effects of nature and essentially the effects of time on the artefacts of urban life are important aspects. Rust, cracks, bright layers of peeling paintwork and rough, worn edges are the qualities she transfers through her work. Through studying the changing surfaces Amy strives to allow these qualities to have a new strength and longevity. Each piece has a unique surface and form, and is slab built using crank clay. A geometrical shape is often used as a body to carry intricate and delicate surface details which can then be sited in a garden setting, and allowed to slowly become part of its environment, echoing the beauty in discarded junkyard treasures.”

Here’s what the pupils who took part thought:“At the start of the day we made tiles. This was to build up our skills to make the finished piece. It was good having Amy Daniels teaching us because it was someone different and she actually makes a living out of doing this, this showed us the possibilities that art can offer us.”“I enjoyed trying something new.”“Pressing the items into the clay to leave imprints was the best part because you could see the object clearly afterwards, a bit like a fossil.”“The day was creative; I learnt lots of new skills.”

“We chose a fruit or vegetable that we wanted to create out of clay. It took about 2 hours. The most popular choices were pumpkins, pears and pineapples. I made a pumpkin and it turned out really well.”“I enjoyed the day because it’s something we don’t normally get the chance to do.”“It was fabulous; I loved it and had a great day”“It was a different experience to normal lessons.”“We painted our items with under glaze for colour and dipped them in clear glaze which made them shiny. Amy helped us if we didn’t understand what to do and gave us some advice if we were struggling; she was really helpful and showed us lots of samples to make sure we understood.” “We had never done anything like it before which made it exciting.”“It was fun to have a full day of Art, it was different to be taught by another person and I enjoyed meeting her.”“Really Fun!”“It was a smashing day and a great experience.”

Jaguar Land Rover Education Centre

Students studying A level IT visited the Jaguar Land Rover plant in Liverpool. The visit offered students the unique opportunity to witness the production of two of the Uk’s most exciting & iconic cars, the bestselling Freelander 2 and the brand new Range Rover Evoque. The day started with a safety presentation followed by a presentation detailing the history and product range of Jaguar Land Rover. During the tour of the factory students learnt about quality control, Right-First-Time, Just-In-Time and Lean Working to show how a modern manufacturing facility operates. The visit benefitted students currently studying Information systems in A level IT. The aim of this unit is to ensure learners understand how organisations use information and the surrounding use of information, know about information systems and develop the skills necessary to produce management information system.The day ended with students developing teamwork skills, working in groups to build model car.

Page 4 Cardinal Langley’s VOICE March 2015 Page 5

Artist in Residence

Page 7 Page 6 Cardinal Langley’s VOICE March 2015

Cardinal Langley Celebrates World Book Day

This term we welcomed back last year’s Year 13 students to collect their certificates and subject prizes at our annual Presentation Evening. Three special prizes were awarded by the Queen Elizabeth Foundation for outstanding academic achievement and contribution to the life of the Sixth Form, with Sarah Copp, Victoria Podemska and John Ronan each receiving a cheque for £500.

It was a lovely evening and a chance for staff and students to catch-up with each other.

Sixth Form Presentation Evening

Page 8 Cardinal Langley’s VOICE March 2015 Page 9

  Memories of Charlie Holden          Never Forgo�en     by John Moran

Computer Science and Robotics Workshops

Mrs Woodcock is leaving the Building for Warrington

Rewarding our students at Cardinal Langley RC High School This term has been a successful one for many of our students at Cardinal Langley, with a large number of students receiving rewards. We try to reward our students in as many different ways as possible, from sending postcards home, right through to the highest honours in the school being awarded to our Sixth Formers who have the chance to be awarded the House Distinction. This term Lauren Jennings from Year 12 and Sean Hassall from Year 13, received the House Distinction for their continued contribution to the ethos of the school. Lauren and Sean take a full and active part in the life of the school. Lauren is a member of the Genesis team in school, and has planned and implemented some high profile charity events.

During his Study periods, Sean volunteers in the Additional Needs Department where he provides peer support to some of our students. Other rewards this term have included students having access to free skate sessions courtesy of Roller City in Rochdale. Odeon Vouchers and certificates were presented to students if they were the lucky winners from each Year group of the 100% Attendance and Punctuality draws, or if they were one of our highest ‘Praise Points’ achievers in the school.

“Tell me and I’ll forget; show me and I may remember; involve me and I’ll understand.” Chinese proverb.With the change in the computing curriculum, robots in schools are increasingly in demand.Early in the year students at Cardinal Langley got the chance to build and program robots. They learnt to control the robots using normal electrical concepts, developing their own models by their own hands. The workshop provided a fun and exciting way for students to learn the basics of computer programming and robotics.

“I thoroughly enjoyed the day! It encouraged me to think to my full potential and use computing skills that I had never come across before.” Alice McNally Year 8.At the end of the workshop, a competition was organised, students where using their creation to take part in a robot war game. The wining students were Alice McNally, Jamie Sigsworth Year 8s and Rowan Turner Year 7. Paul Walsh Year 9 won the overall award for outstanding ingenuity. Each student receiving a Kindle Fire. Well done to all students who took part in the workshop.“It was great fun and I learnt to enhance my programming skills, I had great fun working with my peers and I also enjoyed decorating the robot.” Paul Walsh Year 9.

Mrs Woodcock has secured an Assistant Headteacher post at Golborne High School in Warrington. In this article she reflects on her time teaching at Cardinal Langley.After previously working at high schools in Manchester and Oldham, respectively, it was my great privilege to become a part of Cardinal Langley’s distinctive family almost eight years ago and I can honestly say that I have enjoyed my time at the school immensely. Living in Middleton and having heard so many positives about Cardinal Langley from my family and friends who had attended the school, it was with real excitement and enthusiasm that I became a part of it. As a Catholic teacher with lifelong connections to the school and the Middleton area, I felt what many of us recognise when we enter this special community: I felt I had come home. Many things have changed for my family and me during the past few months- including us moving away from

Middleton- and the time is now right for me to move on professionally. Without question, however, a place in my heart will remain forever Cardinal Langley. Buildings are easy to leave; it’s the people we miss and I am indebted to the all of the wonderful colleagues, students and friends with whom I have worked closely and who have given me so much. Certainly, having the privilege of working alongside you all has enriched my life. Together, both in and out of school we have: worked hard; created and shared new ideas; celebrated outstanding achievements; laughed out loud and always given mutual support whenever times have been hard. As Head of English, I would particularly like to acknowledge the contribution made to the school by the English team: your expertise and tireless efforts in securing the best possible outcomes for students is truly inspiring and I am in no doubt that you will go from strength to strength.Friends I have made at the school are life-long and my students should know that, whether I am here on not, I will

think of you often (and keep tabs on your exam performance!). Who knows? I may one day have the good fortune to return to Cardinal Langley which is for many of us, a place like no other. God bless, Jane Woodcock.

A New Chapter in the Never Ending Story of EnglishHaving worked at Cardinal Langley for the past six years, I am delighted to take up the post of Subject Leader of English after the Easter holiday. It has been a privilege to work under the direction of Mrs Woodcock and I will be saddened to say goodbye to somebody that has been a huge influence in my teaching career to date. However, I am excited to continue our journey together as a team as she leaves us to take a new route on hers. The children of Cardinal Langley leave school with excellent results in English – and this isn’t by accident. I am very proud to work with a team so hard-working, enthusiastic, dynamic and supportive, and I am looking forward to building on our successes and strengths, taking the subject forward ahead of curriculum and assessment changes, during the coming years. I have incredible passion for teaching and nothing pleases me more than helping young people recognise their potential. English has so many benefits for the lives of our children: to foster a love of learning; ignite a passion for words; to aim high and dream big and most importantly, to help them be amazing people - the very best that they can be - so that they live wonderful and happy lives after their time in education at Cardinal Langley. We are part of a very special community here: I feel incredibly fortunate to be taking up this post, knowing that my future years at Cardinal Langley will continue to give me the opportunity to do the best work that I can for our children in Middleton.

Page 11 Page 10 Cardinal Langley’s VOICE March 2015

Cardinal Langley looking forward to National Cup semi final

My name is Amy Cunningham Yr11 and I have been selected for the Great Britain swimming squad to take part in the 67th International Catholic Student Games (FISEC) in Malta. The teams I will be competing against will be from Austria, Flanders/Belgium, France, Hungary, India, Ireland, Italy, Malta, Palestine, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, USA, Brazil and Croatia.

I will be there for 6 days, competing for 4 days and training for 2 days. I will most likely be swimming the 100m Breaststroke and the 200m Freestyle as these are my best events, however, the individual events have not been released to us as yet so I do not officially know what events I will be swimming until they are published. FISEC dates back to an idea between three men in France during 1946, the Secretary General Yves Bouvyer (French), together with Mr. De Nayer (a teacher from Belgium) and a Mr. Walsh (Great Britain). At the time, those involved wanted to draw public awareness to the growing importance of sports and physical activity and encourage education chiefs, in particular in Catholic schools, to confer a wide place to these activities in the physical, human and Christian education of young people. (ref. http://www.cssf-gb.org.uk/).The games begin with an opening ceremony on the first night which is where each country selects two representatives (one boy and one girl) to carry their countries flags. This is followed by a celebration where you’re encouraged to mix and mingle with the Great Britain squad and the other countries. The following day we will be taken to the outdoor pool which is an Olympic size (50 metres) to ‘get to know it’.

Not only will I be a competitor I will also be a spectator and supporter of my fellow team mates who compete in different sports; athletics, football or volley ball. During the week we will be taking part in the long-established bazaar. Team members from each of the countries are asked to bring something from their own country which is both personal and relevant to their sport or region. The aim of the bazaar is to get to know each other and sell as many items as possible with the money collected going to the host of next year’s games.I am really looking forward to this experience, not only is it a chance to swim for my country, it’s a chance to make new friends and measure where I am compared to other athletes who swim the same events as I do. When I am over there my aim will be to do my best, improve my PB’s (Personal Best times) and come home hopefully with some medals, and some great memories.

FISEC Catholic Student Games 2015

Me with Michael Jamieson; GB Olympian & World Record holder for 200m Breaststroke.

The Year 10 football team find themselves once again playing plenty of high octane games as they make strong progress in all local, regional and national competitions.At the time of writing, the team currently sit in the quarter-finals of the County cup, the semi-finals of the Catholic cup and the semi-finals of the English Schools Open PlayStation competition. The boys have yet to embark on their Rochdale cup campaign which has seen them lift the trophy in each of the last three years.The level of achievement should not be underestimated as this is the furthest any Cardinal Langley football team has ever progressed in the national tournament. The recent quarter final away in Durham saw Sky Sports take a keen interest in the game as it had been designated as tie of the round. The campaign began last September which has seen trips to Sheffield, Blackpool, Durham and opposition from Shrewsbury having to be overcome. The semi-final draw sees us take on Ribblesdale High School from Clitheroe for a place in the national final.

The roll of honour for this team is truly impressive for the three years they have completed with two Catholic cup wins, three Rochdale cup wins and narrow defeats on penalties in a Catholic and County cup final. This has season is the first team they have reached the latter stages of the national competition.We all wish them the best of luck in the semi-final and in the remaining games this season and are very proud of all their achievements to date.

Cardinal Langley goes SkiingDuring February half term, 52 students and accompanying staff embarked on an epic 28 hour coach journey to Austria. Despite being one of the busiest travelling weekends of the year; we were blessed with very little traffic and arrived in the resort just in time for lunch on Saturday.

Over the course of the week we were very fortunate with the weather, blue sky and good snow which allowed all our skiers to make excellent progress. Opportunities to ski down the world cup run, participate in night skiing and make some shapes in the snow park were just the tip of the iceberg! An exhausting yet fun packed week was had by all and I’m sure the ice hockey match, swimming and ice skating made up for all the blisters, bruises and the odd wipe out on the slopes!

Page 13 Page 12 Cardinal Langley’s VOICE March 2015

Boys FootballYEAR 7: As PE teacher and year 7 football coach Mr Greaves - a Manchester United fan - will tell you, bringing in too many quality players to a new team can sometimes mean it takes a little bit of time for them to all gel together.The Year 7 boy’s football team were no different and faced early cup exits in the England, Catholic and County Cups, with the latter being a heroic performance away to Wright Robinson where they led twice against extremely tough opponents only to succumb to a late 3-2 defeat. Despite that early bedding in period, and with the assistance of top goal scorer Hubert Nowacki, the boys are into the quarter-finals of the Rochdale cup where they will travel to Wardle with full focus on cup success in their first season as a team.

YEAR 8: The year 8 boys will be hoping to make it to the Rochdale Cup semi-finals when they play their quarter-final match on March 11th. Coaches Ross Kearns and Dan Sweeney have a talented and motivated group of players and a trophy to end the season would be just the reward for all the work put in thus far. Good luck lads.

YEAR 9: Under the coaching of PE teacher Mr Goddard, it has been a stunning season so far for the year 9A and 9B Football Teams that could still end up with multiple championships in the Rochdale and County Cups where the 9A team have cruised into the semi-finals of both competitions. Unlucky defeats in the quarter finals of the catholic cup and last 16 of the England Schools Cup may have quashed any dreams of a famous quadruple, but the boys have still won an incredible 10 out of 13 games this season with a +42 goal difference to boot, including a sensational 10 - 0 victory at Crompton House. Ryan Beard and Wesley Wolfe led the way in the scoring with 20 and 13 goals respectably.

YEAR 11: The year 11’s season will be best remembered for a thrilling and dramatic, but ultimately defeating, penalty shootout in the Catholic Cup vs. St Peters. After a hard fought match, with the scores level after extra time, the game went to penalties where every single player – including goal keepers - had to take a spot kick. Unfortunately for Cardinal Langley, it was the year 11’s from St Peters who advanced in the competition.

6th FORM: The 6th form boys were incredibly unlucky this season and if things could have bounced a little more in their favour they could have turned a couple of tough defeats into momentum building victories. An extra time defeat to Darwen Aldridge Academy in the England Schools Cup 3rd round was followed up by a 2-1 defeat in the quarter finals of the County Cup vs. Canon Slade.

Girls Football It was a successful season for girls football at Cardinal Langley with the Under 12, Under 14 and Under 16 teams all reaching the Rochdale Schools “Super 6” finals for outdoor 5 a side football with the Under 12’s indoor 5-a-side team also reaching the Rochdale finals.

Congratulations to all involved.

Girls Netball In Netball, after a long and enduring season, Cardinal Langley can boast to having two Rochdale Champions with the Year 8 and Year 10 teams claiming deserved victories whereas the Year 9 team fell just short in 2nd place.

The Under 14s team also made it to the semi-finals of the Greater Manchester County Tournament where they were beaten by Loreto Grammar School. The Under 15 team will be looking for victory next week when they take part in the Rochdale County Tournament.Years 10 and 11 were also invited along to take part in an open evening exhibition against YWCA Bury Netball Club. This really was a wonderful night of netball and an excellent challenge with some suburb netballing talent on show from both teams with our girls narrowly losing out 45-43.

Girls VolleyballTwo Year 10 volleyball squads competed in Rochdale School Games Volleyball Competition at Siddal Moor. Both teams battled it out to represent Rochdale at the Greater Manchester School games but unfortunately narrowly missed out on a place. Well done to all involved.

And finally... The staff netball team have been in action and despite a 40-9 defeat in their first game competitive game at St Cuthbert’s (not including the ‘narrow’ 19-3 loss in a warm up match against the year 10 and 11 girls) they pulled off a stunning 28-8 victory over St Anne’s in their most recent outing on March 6th.

Onwards and upwards, ladies.

Swimming Congratulations to all who took part in the Rochdale Schools Swimming Gala, taking 2nd place, a superb effort.

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